SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 29 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. [Proverbs 29:13] This proverb reminded me about how Jesus describes the grace of God for the good and the bad: For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends…
the prayer God delights in
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 28 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. [Proverbs 28:13] Solomon observes that people who sin live in fear (Proverbs 28:1], but those who are honest about their sinful attitudes and behaviours can find mercy and freedom. Denial or pretending do not…
painful words that heal
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 27 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. [Proverbs 27:6] Two stories from the life of Jesus come to mind when I think about this passage. I recall how Jesus speaks sharply to Peter when he resists Jesus’ talk about going to Jerusalem to die. But Peter took…
foolish arguments
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 26 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. [Proverbs 26:4-5] These verses from Proverbs have always intrigued me. On the one hand, wisdom teaches that we should…
words that bless
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 25 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an axe, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. [Proverbs 25:18] You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you…
love my enemies?
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. [Proverbs 24:17-18] You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those…
addicted to sin
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the…
a pure heart?
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. [Proverbs 2:11] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God….
God’s control and our freedom
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. [Proverbs 21:1] “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me…
wise advice!
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. [Proverbs 20:18] And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost… Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down…